The yearly average of rainfall hit Dubai in just one day, in a record weather event which left its airport incapacitated by flooded runways.
On Tuesday, the UAE witnessed a record rainfall of 254mm in less than 24 hours, with more than 120mm in Dubai, the most since data collection began in 1949.
Dubai airport was forced to cancel at least 21 outbound and 24 inbound flights, with three diverted to other airports after it fully halted all operations for 25 minutes.
One man in his 70s died after he was swept away in flash floods in Ras Al-Khaimah, and a further 18 died in Oman, leaving authorities to warn people to remain indoors during the extreme weather.
What is the weather forecast for Dubai?
The brunt of the extreme weather has passed but Dubai will continue to see changeable conditions and atypical showers, fogs and cooler temperatures throughout the week.
On Wednesday morning Dubai saw light showers and a significant drop in temperatures due to the unusual levels of rain, as per the rest of the region.
The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) issued yellow alerts in Al Ain on Wednesday morning, warning motorists of fog and reduced visibility.
Wednesday’s average will be 26°C in Dubai, reaching highs of 33°C and lows of 10°C, with some cloud during the day, especially in the east.
The NCM said: “Low clouds will appear over the East coast with a chance of some rain-bearing clouds formation by afternoon especially at the sea, eastwards and northwards, such as in Fujairah and Ras Al-Khaimah.”
The NCM said humidity is expected to increase by Thursday morning causing fog and mist formation over some internal and coastal areas.
Moderate south-westerly and north-westerly winds will range between 20 and 40kmh at times, likely blowing dust across the country.
Sea temperatures will be moderate into the evening in the Arabian Gulf and the Oman Sea. By Friday temperatures will return to the expected 30°C with consistent sun and minimal chance of showers.
Are more flights cancelled today?
Disruptions continued into Wednesday morning, with many airlines telling passengers to check before they travel, and Dubai airport asking customers not to travel to the airport unless necessary.
A number of flights are delayed and cancelled from Heathrow including Emirates’ 9.05am flight to Dubai, which is delayed to 12.15pm, while its 11.10am flight is fully cancelled.
British Airways has not released any information on cancellations despite one Heathrow 12.55pm flight to Dubai being cancelled.
Emirates suspended check-in for passengers departing Dubai Airport until midnight on Wednesday. It said on X, formerly Twitter: “Passengers arriving in Dubai and already in transit will continue to be processed for their flights.
“Customers can expect delays to departures and arrivals and are advised to check the latest flight schedules.”
Dubai International airport urged passengers only to travel if necessary, saying flights continued to be delayed and diverted, as the clean-up operation is completed.
A Dubai airport official said: “Due to the unprecedented weather conditions in the UAE, Dubai International (DXB) is advising passengers not to come to the airport, unless absolutely necessary.
“Flights continue to be delayed and diverted. Please contact your airline for the latest information on your flight status. We are working hard to recover operations as quickly as possible in very challenging conditions.”
Air Arabia has announced it has cancelled or rescheduled flights due to the severe weather affecting the UAE.
The airline said all affected passengers will be notified of any changes, adding: “Passengers are requested to visit our website or contact our dedicated call centre for the latest updates on their flight status.”